MUSC: Inching Closer to Reality
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Although no one from MUSC was present to give an update, Kiawah Island’s Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson was prepared to brief the Town Council on the latest from the medical center front.
She explained that MUSC’s site plan is still under review with the Town. “We, meaning us and MUSC, are still waiting for the encroachment agreement to be satisfied with the Seabrook Island planning department,” she said.
July 10 was the date that the application was considered from Seabrook. Tillerson said that MUSC is also waiting on a letter from the Freshfields Village ARB. “The landscape is fine,” she said. “John Taylor [the planning director] just needs a letter from the Freshfields Village ARB and the Town of Seabrook Island.”
Once they receive the letter,
(continued on page 3)
SUN SHADES DRAW MIXED OPINIONS ON CAROLINA BEACHES
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Lugging a heavy beach umbrella to the perfect spot, then jamming and twisting the umbrella pole into the sand with all your might – only to inevitably deal with the wind as it threatens to turn the umbrella inside out – or worse, pull the whole pole completely out of the ground – is not an experience for the faint at heart.
It’s an experience that every Shibumi owner can relate to though – hence the reason they spent the hefty fee for the latest two-tone fad to hit the beach.
Visit any beach on the Eastern seaboard and you’ll see one, or 50. The sound of flapping in the wind has proven to be an easy tradeoff for those that no longer want to suffer with putting up the cumbersome beach umbrella.
It is safe to say that the Shibumi craze began once the general population recognized the ease of their assessment.
However, some beach patrol officers have come to recognize a couple of negative aspects of the Shibumi and have recommended banning them. Actually, the beaches in Horry County already have banned them. Could Kiawah Island be next?
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Russell Berner gave an update at the June 2 Town Council meeting about the recent recommendations from the
(continued on page 2)
NEW HATCHLINGS HEAD FOR A BRIGHTER HORIZON
KIAWAH TURTLE PATROL MONITORS THIS SEASON AND BEYOND
iawah Island is home to many unique wildlife species, including the beloved loggerhead sea turtle. Like many communities on the East Coast, Kiawah has a sea turtle nest protection program that actively locates and monitors nests. The residents of Kiawah formed the existing Kiawah Turtle Patrol in 1989, and it has grown to one of the largest turtle patrol volunteer programs in South Carolina, with more than 300 volunteers.
Turtle season begins each year in May and continues until the end of October. One of the exciting milestones of each season is the arrival of hatchlings. On July 7, the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol celebrated its first nest emergence of the season, at nest #12 in Zone 2. A nest emergence occurs when hatchlings leave the nest and head toward the ocean. Patrollers know an emergence has occurred from the tiny tracks coming out of a marked nest area.
Additional Kiawah hatchings made their way into the ocean on July 13 in Zone 3. During this time, Turtle Patrol volunteers aid hatchlings by deterring predators as the hatchlings make their way into the ocean. Volunteers begin to check the nests every morning after the first turtle nest is laid to ensure the nests in their one-mile zone have not been compromised by the elements or predators. Three days after the first emergence, the patrol examines and inventories the nest contents. There are seven hatching
zones on Kiawah Island, and volunteers are assigned to a single zone which is covered on foot.
On July 8, Turtle Patrol volunteers discovered the 300th turtle nest of the season in Zone 7. Kiawah Island typically has about 200 to 400 turtle nests each season. To find the latest nesting numbers and nest inventory schedule, visit kiawahturtle.com.
Nests laid on the beaches without a nest protection program often have a low hatch rate. With the help of the island’s Turtle Patrol volunteers, hatch rates increase dramatically.
“The work of the Kiawah’s Turtle Patrol volunteers is critical to sea turtle population growth,” said Town Biologist Jim Jordan. “Due in part to nest protection programs throughout the East Coast, nest numbers have increased in the last 10 to 15 years, and this recovery is a testament to how important this work is.”
Turtle Patrol volunteers work to both protect and record information on sea turtles to provide to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The Town of Kiawah Island continues its commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship with three biologists on staff to further support this work. With the support of this program and others along the East Coast, sea turtles and their hatchlings have a brighter horizon ahead.
Learn more at kiawahturtle.com.
Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol volunteers.
PHOTO BY ALISON FREY
PUBLISHERS OF
The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
Christian Senger AssistAnt Publisher
Denise K. James editor ICeditor@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards grAPhic design
Advertising advertising@mylonews.com 267-225-0192
Lynn Pierotti consultAnt lynn@luckydognews.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Theresa Stratford
Younginer Town of Kiawah Island Charleston Friends of the Library
Sun Shades (continued from page 1)
Safety Committee.
As chair for the committee, he announced that Kiawah’s beach patrol suggested that the Shibumi sun shades were a safety hazard due to being a sight problem as the officers look down the beach.
“I abstained from voting, but the vote among the committee was unanimous to get rid of them and to come up with an ordinance to ban them,” he reported.
Since the issue was not on the formal agenda and only brought up for discussion from Berner, Council could not take action.
Mayor Bradley Belt chimed in.
“Before investing staff resources on this, we need to have data,” Belt said.
“How many Shibumis are on the island? What are other jurisdictions doing?
We know some other jurisdictions in South Carolina have banned them, but why? How are they different from the four-poled large tents? Have the other jurisdictions that banned them done so because they have a more compressed area? We just need more data.”
Horry County currently has a ban on Shibumi sun shades and all sun shades that they say “impede the lifeguard’s view/area of responsibility.”
More information about “shading devices” on the Horry County website reads:
• No shading device may be placed within 10 feet of any established umbrella line by the beach franchise holders and must be in line with or landward of the established umbrella line.
• Shading devices–other than circular umbrellas with a circular shade no greater than seven feet six inches (7’6”) in diameter and small pop-up/blow-up cabanas no larger than 4’ x 3’ x 3’ for infants and very small children–are not permitted on the beach (year-round). This includes, but is not limited to, tents, tarps, cabanas, pavilions, sports-brellas or similar devices. An umbrella is defined as a collapsible circular shade consisting of a natural or synthetic fabric shade stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole without grounding lines or ropes.
• Shading devices of any kind cannot be tied, bound or connected in any manner.
• All shading devices must be secured.
• No items (shading devices, floats,
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, August 1, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways and Means Committee
Tuesday, August 6, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, August 6, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, August 7, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
chairs, etc.) can be left on the beach between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. Items will be removed.
Berner commented that he investigated the Shibumi issue on Kiawah by heading to the beach in the Sand Castle area himself with his own Shibumi sun shade.
“There were a lot in the area, but I didn’t think there was a sight problem,” he recalled. “I think if there is substantial evidence that these are a problem,
then we would have to take that into consideration, but I just didn’t see it.”
Belt added, “Some people just don’t like them. They say that they block the views or they don’t like the flapping. Safety is a different issue though. The beach patrol is on the beach every single day. If they say they are a safety problem, then we do need to respond to that.”
The issue will be listed on the agenda at the next Town Council meeting on August 6.
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, August 8, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, August 14, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement Committee
Thursday, August 15, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, August 20, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Shibumi sun shade.
MUSC
(continued from page 1)
the Town can sign off on the site plan for good. The Town would not have to review the building once the site plan is signed off on; Tillerson said that the state would do that.
“We just need those two coordination letters, and, once we get those, they can be mobilized within two to three weeks to start construction,” she concluded.
The construction is on schedule to be completed in 2025.
Mayor Bradley Belt added that they do not anticipate any issues with the planning and construction from here on out.
It was October of 2019 when MUSC first proposed a Certificate of Need application with the state of South Carolina for a Sea Islands Emergency Department to be located on Seabrook Island Road on Johns Island.
Now, almost five years later, the project is finally taking shape – albeit in a different location than originally planned.
If things had gone as planned at the first site, which was located across from the current site, the MUSC medical center would likely be up and running by now. However, due to issues with the owner of a neighboring property, MUSC had to start over and find a new site, which was finally identified in June 2023.
That private neighbor was not allowing an egress onto Andell Bluff Road from the original site of the medical pavilion. An egress would be an exit for traffic and emergency vehicles. The new location is now set for an area adjacent to the new Seafield’s senior community, which should be complete later this year.
The last update from MUSC was in February to the Seabrook Island Town Council. At that time, they expected to have the ARB approvals in March and the encroachment situation resolved by now. However, the approvals took longer than expected.
The full cost of the facility comes to $30 million. MUSC is raising $17 million in private support and $9.5 million in gifts.
Upon completion, the MUSC medical center will provide:
• A free-standing emergency room with trauma rooms and fast-track triage;
• Imaging, including CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds;
• Radiology services;
• Full lab and diagnostic treatment services;
• Helipad and ground transport;
• Primary care and other outpatient services, as well as telehealth pods;
• Physical and occupational therapy treatment rooms;
• Cardiology with rotating subspecialties (including ECHO, EKG testing);
• Orthopedics;
• ENT services.
Ki awah Wines
Carolina Kettle Chips
Charleston Coffee Roasters
Charleston Chocolatiers
Low Country Olive Oil
M&M Cutting Boards
Red Clay Hot Sauce
www.kiawahwines.com
Charleston Spices Fat and Juicy Mixers
Savannah Bee Company
www.kiawahspirits.com
Showcasing the Best of the Lowcountry
INAUGURAL FOOD & WINE CLASSIC COMES TO CHARLESTON IN SEPTEMBER
Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure recently announced the talent, programming and events lineup for the inaugural FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston, set for September 27-29.
A centerpoint for the weekend, the Grand Tasting Pavilion will feature more than 100 winemakers, distillers, chefs and purveyors serving wine, spirits and food from the local area and around the world. The programming will include more than 40 cooking demos, panels and wine and spirits seminars with best-in-class talent including Tyler Florence, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan, Sean Brock, Alexander Smalls, Al Roker, Brooke Williamson, Erick Williams, Stephanie Izard, Tamron Hall, CJ McCollum, Claudette Zepeda and Wanda Mann, as well as local favorites Mike Lata, Miles White, Femi Oyediran, Bethany Heinze, John Lewis, Rodney Scott, Carrie Morey and many more.
“It's always an honor to bring together some of the most dynamic talent in the food world,” said Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine. “We are grateful to all the chefs, winemakers and experts joining us in the Lowcountry to build an exciting new FOOD & WINE Classic created to showcase the best of this region.”
Programming highlights include:
• The Barbecue Sides Smackdown competition with Rodney Scott and John Lewis;
• Recipes to Live By with Al Roker of NBC’s Today and his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, sharing dishes from their new cookbook;
• Masala Dabba: The Heart and Soul of the Indian Kitchen with Maneet Chauhan;
• Outside the Brunch Box: Diner Favorites with a Twist with Stephanie Izard;
• High Steaks: Recipes of an American Steakhouse with Tyler Florence;
• Battle of the Biscuits competition with Carrie Morey, Erika Council and Jason Stanhope.
“The Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate at Kiawah River will bring to life Charleston's outdoor cooking traditions in a stunning location," said Sid Evans, editorin-chief of Southern Living. "With award-winning chefs and pitmasters, an oyster roast
and a fantastic band, this will be a very fun night in the Lowcountry.”
The FOOD & WINE Classic will also host several special off-site ticketed events available to festival pass holders for purchase. Here’s a selection of the newest events:
Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate at The Dunlin, Kiawah River
Hosted by Sid Evans, this ultimate Southern college football tailgate will take place at Kiawah River, the site of Southern Living’s 2024 Idea House. Guests will enjoy Lowcountry traditions, Southern BBQ and cocktails with appearances by Chef Tyler Florence, Pitmasters John Lewis, Rodney Scott and Hector Garate and musical guest Boy Named Banjo. Attendees can also tour the Southern Living Idea House.
Travel + Leisure Style Stroll
Travel + Leisure’s editor-in-chief, Jacqui Gifford, will take guests on a shopping tour along Charleston's iconic King Street and beyond where Southern hospitality meets chic boutiques and upscale shops. The excursion will include stops at a curated selection of stores with everything from fashion-forward finds and unique gifts to artisanal goods and local collectibles.
Sea to Table: Crabbing & Cooking in the Lowcountry with Travel + Leisure
This Travel + Leisure experience will bring to life the coastal charm and culinary delights of Charleston. This program will be an adventure where guests will discover the secrets of harvesting the freshest crabs straight from the sea and learn how to transform them into delectable regional dishes.
Tickets for these additional special events are now available for sale to pass holders, and more information can be found online, with more events coming soon, including a Dine Around series at a selection of the city’s top restaurants.
“We’re thrilled to highlight the magic of Charleston that our readers have celebrated for years,” said Gifford. “We’re excited to offer experiences like bespoke shopping tours and hands-on crabbing and cooking adventures, immersing guests in the charm, history and culture that make this city so special.”
For more on festival programming and participating talent, visit foodandwineclassicincharleston.com.
Highlighting What She Sees
AUGUST ARTIST OF THE MONTH MONIQUE BOISSIER-SPORN
BY BONNIE YOUNGINER
For The Island Connection
Monique Boissier-Sporn grew up in France and had no significant art instruction throughout her educational years. Obtaining a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, she began her career in academia, teaching in several major universities and colleges. She later joined the U.S. Foreign Service, first as a linguist, then as an officer assigned to a variety of postings overseas.
After returning to the Washington, D.C. area, BoissierSporn began taking a variety of art classes out of curiosity and a need for relaxation. Her artistic discovery started with pottery on the wheel, clay sculpture, charcoal portraiture and, finally, watercolor, which turned out to be her niche. She was privileged to learn from excellent watercolor mentors such as Sally Olson, Christine Lashley, Catherine Hillis and Helen Beacham.
After moving to Seabrook Island, Boissier-Sporn added oil painting to her skills and studied still life with Gary Kunkelman. She also paints in the Patricia Huff studio.
Painting in both watercolor and oil, the artist captures a wide range of subjects, from portraits and still life to seascapes and landscapes. As a realist painter, her desire to represent what she sees and highlight the elements of a scene or a subject attracted her as an artist.
Boissier-Sporn served on the board of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for six years in different capacities–first as vice president for publicity, then as co-president and, until January 2024, she was the vice president for education.
There will be a reception for Monique Boissier-Spurn at the Seabrook Island Lake House on Tuesday, August 6, 4:30-6 p.m. Come by and meet her and view her beautiful artwork.
rab a book for the beach, pool or boat and support the Charleston County Library. Shop for great books with bargain prices and support your library by coming to Charleston Friends of the Library’s Summer Book Sale at Main Library, presented by Crews Subaru of Charleston.
Friday, Aug. 9 | Book Sale - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exclusive Member event on Aug. 8 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Main Library - 68 Calhoun Street Charleston SC 29401
Browse through hundreds of gently used children's, YA, non-fiction, fiction,
“FRIENDS of the library is proud to support the five-star Charleston County Library. Proceeds from our books sales support building the path to learning and literacy by providing funding to the variety of programs offered across the 18 branches of the library. These programs provide access and opportunity for all of our neighbors. We are truly grateful to all our FRIENDS for supporting our book sales and our library,” said Leah Donaldson, executive director. Please follow along on Social Media for updates at @chslibfriends and/or directly support the library by being a member or making a donation on the Friends' website at charlestonlibraryfriends.org. Becoming a Friend of the Library is a great way to show your support for all 18 branches of Charleston County Public Library, fund library programs and encourage reading throughout our community.
The CFOL is a nonprofit organization that raises money through book sales to support programming across the 18 branches of the Charleston County Library, which provide access and opportunity to all of our neighbors at no cost to participants.
For more information, contact Leah Donaldson, executive director, at director@ charlestonlibraryfriends.org or at 843-637-0678.
Tide Chart
1:26am/2:02pm 2:21am/3:02pm 3:19am/4:03pm 4:20am/5:03pm 5:20am/6:01pm 6:18am/6:55pm 7:13am/7:45pm 8:03am/8:31pm 8:51am/9:13pm 9:35am/9:51pm 10:17am/10:28pm 10:58am/11:03pm 11:38am/11:38pm 12:17pm 7:32am/8:13pm 8:26am/9:17pm 9:23am/10:22pm 10:21am/11:24pm 11:19am 12:22am/12:15pm 1:14am/1:08pm 2:03am/1:57pm 2:47am/2:43pm 3:28am/3:26pm 4:06am/4:08pm 4:42am/4:49pm 5:15am/5:29pm 5:47am/6:12pm
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in tide time predictions and can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com
FRIDAY, JULY 26
around the islands...
WHAT: “American in Paris” Olympics Viewing Party
WHERE: The Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St.
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: In honor of the 2024 Olympics, Market Street Circle at The Charleston Place will be transformed into a slice of Paris. Gather with fellow sporting enthusiasts for a special “American in Paris” Olympics Viewing Party. There will be a giant LED screen showcasing the opening ceremony, and the carriage house will transform into a Parisian-style home. For this event, there will be complimentary French treats plus specialty Olympics cocktails available for purchase.
WHAT: Spirits Tastings
WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Dr. WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Guests can savor complimentary tastings at Kiawah Spirits every Friday and Saturday from a selection of fine spirits.
WHAT: New Orleans Tales of the Cocktail Satellite Party
WHERE: Sweetgrass Inn, 5757 Palm Blvd.
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes will be hosting themed weekend pop-up events throughout the summer at The Nest, the rooftop bar on the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort. Free and open to the public. Attendees can expect experimental/ versions of classic cocktails, beignets, fried oysters, jazz music, and more
WHAT: Music on The Green WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Music on The Green Concert series runs through August 31 with concerts every Friday. On July 26, enjoy a free live performance by Silverton.
SATURDAY, JULY 27
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., John’s Island WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It's the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farmfresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Charleston Wine + Food Summer Sizzle - All Crab(cake), No Filler WHERE: CHSWF HQ, 635 Rutledge Ave., Charleston WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Chef Michelle Weaver of the Charleston Grill as she teaches you the secrets behind Charleston’s most celebrated crab cake. When asked what holds these jumbo cakes together with no fillers – her answer is love. Sip on paired wines before enjoying the fruits of your labor with a refreshing, delicious summer lunch.
WHAT: The Sanctuary Sounds of Summer
WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The public is invited to join Sounds of Summer on the Grand Lawn of The Sanctuary throughout June, July, and August. The live music event overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean is complimentary with a cash bar provided.
MONDAY, JULY 29
WHAT: Farmers Market WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Every Monday from June to August, Freshfields Village hosts its Farmers Market. The Village Green transforms into a bustling local marketplace, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
WHAT: Movie Magic Under the Stars
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and beach chairs for a complimentary screening of “Footloose” (PG)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
WHAT: Charleston Wine + Food Summer Sizzle - Hot Little Happy Hour WHERE: CHSWF HQ, 635 Rutledge Ave., Charleston WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Carrie Morey of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits will be serving some of her fave party treats with a spin – think pimento cheese medallions topped with caviar, her take on an iconic local caviar sammie, and more. Sip on martinis and nosh on delectables at this happiest of hours.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
WHAT: Riviera Retreat – European Bistro Bites & Bevs WHERE: Sweetgrass Inn, 5757 Palm Blvd. WHEN: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes will be hosting themed weekend pop-up events throughout the summer at The Nest, the rooftop bar on the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort. Each event is free and open to the public. Attendees can expect spritzes, wines, sangrias, tapas, and more.
WHAT: Music on The Green WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Music on The Green Concert series runs through August 31 with concerts every Friday. On August 2, enjoy a free live performance by Travis Allison Band.
WHAT: Homegrown on the Point WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Summer happy hour concert series featuring local bands. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance. Children 12 and under are free.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
WHAT: Idina Menzel
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer, Idina Menzel will perform at the Gaillard Center. The show will feature fan favorites from throughout her career, showcasing iconic hits from “Wicked,” “Rent,” and newer music from her dance album, “Drama Queen.”
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
WHAT: Charleston Wine + Food Summer Sizzle - Chilled Red Summer Happy Hour
WHERE: CHSWF HQ, 635 Rutledge Ave., Charleston WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Time to queue up Ella Fitzgerald “Summertime” and pop open some chilled reds. Hosted by Miles White and Femi Oyederian of Graft – join them for a happy hour featuring some of their favorite chilled red wines from around the world with light bites and some curated tunes from DJ CowboyMontana.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
WHAT: Jazz Night
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop by the Porch Bar at the Andell Inn every second and fourth Thursday of the month for a Jazz Night featuring a local group.
